Keqing: The Yuheng Star Taking Charge as Your Main DPS in Genshin Impact
So, you’re curious about Keqing? She’s the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing, an Electro swordswoman known for her speed. The critical question: Is Keqing a good DPS in Genshin Impact? Let’s get straight to it.
Keqing: DPS Dynamo or Damage Dud?
The answer is clear: Yes, Keqing can be an excellent DPS. She’s a carry DPS, delivering significant damage. Don’t let anyone sway you. Is she just “okay”? No. Keqing is a true main DPS. She doesn’t sit back; she leads, especially in Aggravate teams. Whether you keep her on-field or swap her quickly, Keqing shines.
You may have seen Reddit asking, “Is Keqing worth it?”. Let’s be straightforward. Every character has critics. Yet, Keqing repeatedly shows her value, especially now. Investing in her pays off, trust me.
DPS Roles: On-Field Queen or Quick-Swap Ninja?
Keqing fits into two main DPS roles:
- On-field DPS: Here, Keqing shines. As a 5-star Electro character, she deals consistent damage. She isn’t just a support pretending to be DPS; she is the real deal.
- Quickswap DPS: Don’t underestimate her in quick-swap teams either. Her fast attacks and ability to switch characters make her great, maximizing reactions and damage output.
Leveling Up: Go All the Way to 90?
Short answer? YES. Leveling Keqing to 90 isn’t just a boost; it’s a vital upgrade. Her damage increases significantly from 80 to 90. Investing resources here is worthwhile. Think of it as putting premium fuel in a sports car. She warrants the best fuel to unlock her full potential.
Keqing’s Arsenal of DPS Strengths
Why is Keqing effective as a DPS? Let’s break it down:
- Fast Sword Attacks: Her attack speed is incredible. Keqing swiftly slices enemies, ensuring steady damage and quick Electro application.
- Teleportation for Dodging: Why dash when you can teleport? Keqing’s Elemental Skill gives her excellent mobility. It allows her to dodge while keeping up offensive pressure. Plus, teleporting is visually impressive.
- High Crit Potential: Keqing has a good Crit Rate when ascended. This trait makes building her for Crit easier and more effective, maximizing her damage output.
Team Synergy: Playing Nice with Others
Keqing thrives with a team. Here are good companions:
- Dendro Characters (Nahida, Traveler, etc.): Dendro unlocks Aggravate, enhancing Keqing’s Electro damage. Characters like Nahida enable consistent Aggravate reactions, supercharging her capability.
- Anemo Characters (Sucrose, Kazuha, etc.): For Anemo, you want someone who groups enemies and lowers resistance. Sucrose and Kazuha amplify AoE damage, boosting Keqing’s effectiveness.
Unlocking Keqing’s Damage Potential: Aggravate and Beyond
Aggravate Reaction: Keqing’s Damage Multiplier
Aggravate is where Keqing excels. Her quick Electro application and short cooldowns allow near-constant triggering of Aggravate. This reaction greatly boosts her Electro damage, amplifying her power significantly.
Personal Damage: Level 90 Makes a Difference
Leveling Keqing to 90 significantly boosts her damage in Aggravate teams. Don’t skip those levels if you want to unleash her full potential.
Stat Priority: The Holy Trinity of Damage
When building Keqing, focus on these stats:
- Crit Rate & Crit DMG: Aim for good Crit Rate for consistent critical hits. Stack Crit DMG for maximizing crit impact. It’s the DPS standard.
- ATK: Don’t neglect Attack. While Crit is vital, ATK gives base damage for Crit multipliers. Balance is essential.
AoE Damage: Bursting Down Groups
Keqing isn’t just for single-target fights; her Elemental Burst, Starward Sword, provides excellent AoE damage. This Burst unleashes multiple AoE attacks and finishes with a powerful slash – perfect for clearing waves of enemies.
Keqing in the Character Roster Rumble: How Does She Stack Up?
Electro Character Comparisons: Who’s the Electro Queen?
Let’s compare Keqing to other Electro characters:
- Raiden Shogun: Raiden is in her own league, one of the best characters overall. She’s like a battleship. Meanwhile, Keqing is a fast destroyer. Both are strong but in different manners.
- Fischl: Fischl excels off-field and is a solid sub-DPS. Dendro reactions help boost both her and Keqing. A team with Keqing, Fischl, Dendro Traveler, and Kazuha/Sucrose is potent. Fischl provides Electro application while Keqing shines on the field.
- Lisa: Lisa applies more Electro than Keqing on-field being a Catalyst user. Yet, her off-field application isn’t consistent; only her Burst does it. Lisa is the professor, while Keqing is the student executing her skills quickly.
DPS Character Comparisons: Standing Tall Among the Damage Dealers
How does Keqing measure up against other DPS characters?
- Tighnari: Tighnari may have the edge in single-target damage. Yet, Keqing shines in AoE scenarios. For single-target attacks, choose Tighnari. For AoE devastation, Keqing is the clear winner.
- Diluc: Diluc is another 5-star DPS like Keqing. He hits hard with a Claymore, but Keqing’s Electro and Aggravate potential give her an edge. Diluc is classic power; Keqing is modern speedster.
- Cyno & Yae Miko: Cyno and Yae Miko also serve in on-field DPS roles. Yet, Keqing can outperform them in certain situations due to her speed and mobility. Each has specialties, but Keqing’s versatility keeps her strong.
Healer Corner: Not a Healer, But Let’s Talk Healers
Now, let’s briefly mention healers, as survivability matters for any DPS:
- Qiqi: Sadly, Qiqi considered weaker nowadays, mainly for focusing solely on healing. She’s the first-aid kit that feels outdated compared to modern options.
- Kokomi: Kokomi ranks as a top healer. She offers constant healing and strong burst healing alongside Hydro application for reactions. She’s the full-package healer.
- Baizhu: Baizhu excels as a healer and protector in Dendro-focused teams. He’s the herbalist blending healing and shield protection.
- Jean: Jean shines as a versatile healer. Her Burst heals off-field allies, and her normal attacks also provide healing. Jean keeps everyone ready for battle.
Team Synergy with Aether (Traveler): A Match Made in Teyvat?
Electro Traveler and Keqing work well together. The Catalyze reaction forms their playground, making them a dynamic duo.
partnership built on mutual elemental understanding and reaction potential.
Damage Duel: Keqing vs. Tighnari – Who Hits Harder?
Tighnari may win in single-target damage. Keqing excels in AoE. Your performance depends on the battle context. Facing a single boss? Choose Tighnari. Against hordes? Keqing excels and dominates.
Building the Lightning Swordswoman: Keqing Builds 101
Talent Priority: Leveling Up What Matters
For a Quickswap Electro build, focus on talents in this order:
- Burst > Skill > Normals: Keqing’s Burst delivers major damage and AoE. Max it first. Her Skill aids mobility and Electro application. Normal Attacks? Not crucial in a quick-swap setup.
- Normal Attacks: Low investment needed, unless focused on a Normal Attack build. They can stay at a lower level.
Weaponry: Swords Fit for a Yuheng
Choosing Keqing’s weapon matters. Here are top choices:
- Best-in-Slot (5-Star):
- Mistsplitter Reforged: This sword is powerful. Keqing’s top weapon. It offers Crit DMG, Elemental DMG Bonus, and ATK. It suits her fighting style perfectly.
- Other Solid 5-Star Options:
- Primordial Jade Cutter
- Haran Geppaku Futsu
- Excellent 4-Star Options:
- Lion’s Roar: Boosts DMG against Pyro or Electro foes. It’s strong, especially in Aggravate teams where Electro application is constant.
- The Black Sword (Battle Pass): Boosts Normal and Charged Attack DMG. Recovers HP on Crit Hits. This adds offense and sustain to her setup.
- Wolf Fang (Battle Pass): Enhances Skill and Burst DMG. Boosts damage after Skill hits. Ideal for quick-swap builds.
Artifacts: Gear Up for Glory
For artifacts, consider these sets:
- Thundering Fury (4-Piece): A classic for Electro DPS. It raises Electro DMG, Aggravate DMG, and reduces Elemental Skill cooldown. A must-have for maximizing damage.
- Gilded Dreams (4-Piece): Great for Aggravate teams. It gives significant buffs to Elemental Mastery and ATK based on team. This set is tailor-made.
- 2-Piece Thundering Fury & 2-Piece ATK Sets (Gladiator’s Finale, Shimenawa’s Reminiscence): Good balance for DPS. Offers Electro DMG Bonus and more ATK.
- 2-Piece Thundering Fury & 2-Piece Noblesse Oblige: Usable but generally not optimal, especially in Aggravate setups.
Artifact Stats: The Numbers Game
Focus on these main stats and substats:
- Sands: ATK% or Elemental Mastery for Aggravate
- Goblet: Electro DMG Bonus
- Circlet: Crit Rate or Crit DMG to balance your ratio
- Substats: Crit Rate, Crit DMG, ATK%, Elemental Mastery, Energy Recharge if needed
Keqing’s Accessibility and Availability: Getting Your Hands on the Yuheng
Availability: Always a Chance, But a Slim One
Keqing is a standard 5-star character. She’s on every banner. However, her chance is low. She lacks rate-up banners like limited 5-star characters. Pulling her is challenging, similar to finding a stylish, sword-wielding needle.
Rarity: Low Probability, High Reward
The chance of pulling Keqing is low, at around 0.06%. If you get a 5-star from the standard pool, Keqing is one of five options (with Diluc, Jean, Mona, and Qiqi). Getting her relies on luck but feels rewarding.
F2P Friendliness: Team Comps on a Budget
Keqing is surprisingly F2P friendly in team compositions. She shines in Aggravate teams, built with available characters. No need for 5-star supports. You can perform well without high investment, although optimizing her build may require effort.
Standard 5-Star Status: In Good Company
Keqing stands with other standard 5-star DPS characters like Diluc and Tighnari. They are consistently available as strong units. They may not be flashy, but they are reliable additions to any roster.
Keqing’s Identity and Lore: More Than Just a Pretty Sword
Name Meaning: “Clear Skies” and “Peaceful Days”
Keqing’s name, 刻晴 (Kèqíng), means “one who brings clear skies” or “bringer of peaceful days.” A fitting name for someone committed to progress in Liyue. Her name hints at her goal of creating stability.
Role in Liyue: The Indomitable Yuheng
Keqing serves as the Yuheng of Liyue Qixing. This powerful position runs land and construction works, crucial for Liyue’s growth. She’s more than a fighter; she’s a leader shaping the nation.
Age: Young and Driven
While not officially stated, Keqing is likely in her late teens or early twenties. Despite her youth, she holds a significant role and shows maturity and determination. Age is just a number when you are capable.
Pronunciation: It’s “Kuh-ching,” Not “Koo-ching”
Let’s clarify pronunciation. Keqing is pronounced “Kuh-ching,” not “Koo-ching.” The “e” sound in Chinese pinyin resembles an “uh.” So, say it correctly next time and impress fellow Genshin players. It shows you know.
Skepticism Turned Respect: Keqing and Rex Lapis
Initially, Keqing was skeptical of Rex Lapis. She believed humans should solve their own issues. Not anti-god, just valuing human agency. After Rex retired, her respect grew as she understood the responsibility he bore in governing.
Keqing’s Gender: Definitely Not a Dude
To clarify, Keqing is a female character. She is a playable Electro character in Genshin Impact, and she identifies as a woman. No confusion here, moving on.
Miscellaneous Keqing Facts: Bonus Tidbits for True Fans
Signature Weapon: The Unreleased “Starseeker”
The rumored signature weapon, “Starseeker,” was planned as a 4-star sword for the 2.1 event. It has never released. Perhaps it will appear someday as a special weapon in the Genshin universe.
Keqing often wields Lion’s Roar in cutscenes and her TCG Character Card. Maybe Lion’s Roar acts as her unofficial weapon.
Keqing’s Skin: Opulent Splendor, But Not Free
Keqing has an elegant skin named “Opulent Splendor.” However, it is not available for free. You need to spend Genesis Crystals to obtain it. Fashion in Teyvat can be costly.
Constellations: Nice, But Not Game-Changing
Keqing’s Constellations improve ATK and DMG slightly. They are generally not worth pursuing. They lack game-changing buffs compared to other characters. Save your Primogems for new characters instead.
Ascension Materials: Rings from the Wolf
To ascend Keqing’s talents beyond level 6, you need Rings of Boreas. These rings come from the Wolf of the North (Andrius) weekly boss fight. Time to visit Andrius and collect those rings.
Keqing: Healer or Damage Dealer? Definitely Not a Healer
Let’s clarify: Keqing is not a healer. Despite some jokes, she is meant for damage, not healing. For healing needs, turn to characters like Kokomi or Jean. Keqing focuses on swift sword strikes.
Does Keqing Hate Rex Lapis? Nope, Not Anymore
So, does Keqing hate Rex Lapis? No. As previously mentioned, her skepticism transformed into respect once she recognized his responsibilities. No hate, just initial doubt that transitioned into admiration. Character development at its best!
That’s the detailed guide to Keqing as a DPS in Genshin Impact. She’s quick, stylish, and delivers hard hits, especially in Aggravate teams. If you have her, build her up, level to 90, and enjoy watching her electrify battles.
